John Philbin Sr.

Monday

Jun 23, 2014 at 3:57 PMJun 23, 2014 at 3:59 PM

CLINTON — John Philip Philbin Sr., 82, longtime Leominster resident, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, June 21.

Son of the late John P. and Mary (Rogers) Philbin, he was born in Freeport, N.Y., Aug. 1, 1931, but moved to Clinton at the age of 13, where he resided for many years. He was a 1950 graduate of St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers, and graduated from Brown University in 1954. He earned his graduate degree from Worcester State College. For nearly 40 years, he worked at Clinton High School where he taught Latin, English and social studies.

Mr. Philbin is predeceased by his wife of 33 years, Donna (Dumas), and his brother, Philip J. Philbin.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, John P. Philbin and Kathleen of Kensington, Md., MaryBeth Philbin-Hannigan and Jeffrey of Southboro, and Matthew J. Philbin and Tammy of Leominster; his grandchildren, Meghan and Caroline Philbin, Michael Philbin-Pelland and Brendan and Bridget Philbin-Hannigan; his longtime companion, Peggy Klimaski of Berlin; his brother, Mike and his wife, Jan, of Palos Verdes, Calif.; his sister, Mary Philbin of Harrisville, N.H.; sister-in-law, Diane Philbin of Clinton; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Mr. Philbin loved the ocean, and was always up for a trip to the coast with family and friends. He was an avid pool player, and was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Club in Fitchburg. He was a Red Sox fan and was thrilled to see them break the "curse" during his lifetime.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 27, from the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton, with a Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 80 Union St., Clinton. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Lancaster. Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home on Thursday, June 26. Contributions may be made in his memory to the John P. Philbin Scholarship Fund, c/o Clinton High School Scholarship and Enrichment Foundation, 150 School St., Clinton, MA, 01510. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com.